Experience in using the cytological (bacterio-scopic) method for diagnosing Helicobacter pylori infection during fibrogastroduodenoscopy

The results of identifying the spiral-shaped bacterium Helicobacter pylori in military personnel during fibrogastroduodenoscopy during clinical examinations are presented. The group of 181 patients diagnosed with «chronic gastritis» and 25 people with peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum were examined. To identify bacteria, a rapid urease test was used in biopsies of the gastric mucosa and a cytological method (microscopic detection of bacteria in fingerprint smears of the gastric mucosa). Of the 81 examined, the urease test was positive in 66 people (81.5%). A parallel cytological study revealed Helicobacter pylori in only 50 patients (61.7%). Increased detection of bacteria by the urease method is associated with possible nonspecific reactions. In the total group of examined patients (n=206), the indicated bacteria were detected in 110 people (53.4%) by direct cytological method, which is consistent with the literature data. The authors consider the direct cytological method for detecting Helicobacter pylori to be a valuable diagnostic test for making a diagnosis and prescribing treatment measures.